Wednesday, January 26, 2011

GIVEAWAY & NOVICA TABBLEWARE REVIEW

I am not the kind of person who likes advertising for just any product in oreder to make money or having a blog that looks more like the pages of a newspaper than that of an independent site. I enjoy my freedom and refuse to have an internet page that ressembles a catalog and is polluted by senseless ads...

It is for that reason that I generally decline advertisement offers. If one proposition sounds interesting and the philosophy of the firm in question fits my way of thinking and principles, then I might take it in consideration and accept it. I need to stay 100% behind what I'm promoting as well as I feel obligated to be honest with my readers, otherwise I would feel like a fake and a liar.

Therefore when I was contacted by NOVICA I knew that it was something for me as their way of doing business is totally adequate with my believes and respects them. What I really like about themis that they are different and fight to promote an alternative.NOVICA wants to provide us with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. Their aim is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity as well as to create a bridge between us and the many talented artisans across the globe. It is important to them that we know about who we are buying from, to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

In association withTHE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, this fairtrade and eco-friendly organization's purpose is to create a revolutionary system through which the artists and artisans of the world (the global team comes from different cultures, countries and language sets - Andes, Bali & Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa) can display their fine works to a global audience of prospective customers.

NOVICAdoes not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website. Furthermore, artists remain fully independent (they are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from their website). By cutting out the long strings of middlemen, NOVICA allows both consumers and artisans to get the most out of each and every transaction.Besides, they also give the customer the chance to help the artists by making a free of interest loan (microfinance service) directly to craftspersons.

They offer a vast array of products ranging from home decor (furniture, tableware, tapestries, etc...), jewelry & apparels (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc...) to paintings (abstract, religious, landscapes, etc...) and also specialise in corporate as well as green gifts. As you can imagine it was very difficult for me to choose from their catalog as there are so many exquisite objects on offer. Anyway, being a foodie and loving hadmade tabbleware I decided to order some bowls.

I've always been a big fan of Southest Asian art and lately I've been dreaming of finding Mexican dishes, so it was all naturally that I ordered a "Ceramic Salsa Bowl" made by Javier Servin from the state of Guanajuato in Mexico and a pair of "Frangipani Leaves" bowls made by Putu Oka Mahendra from Bali in Indonesia.

I placed my order last Monday and both my items arrived at the same time, on Friday (same week). What a fast shipment considering the fact that the merchandise came directly from the artists' place! Everything was well-packed and came to destination in perfect condition.

When I discovered my items I was totally blown away by their sheer perfection, refinement, elegance and beauty. In front of me were three exceptional items that were extremely splendid and gorgeously executed. They were even nicer than on the photo (and the photos were good)! I was so pleased with my gifts. What a delight for the eyes and senses!

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GIVEAWAY

1x 100$ gift certificate

Rules and Entry Details:- You must leave a COMMENT in the comment section of this post (one entry per person).- Winner will be chosen using the "hat method".- Winner will be notified via the contact email provided on the comment contact form (please leave your e-mail adress if you don't have a blog).- This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (please check their International Shipping Table to know if they can ship to your country).- The contest closes on Sunday, February 13th, 2011 at Midnight, 12:00am CET.

Statement:This giveaway is provided to you by NOVICA.Please note that I only promote things that stay true to my tastes, convictions and interests. The opinions expressed on Rosa's Yummy Yums are purely my own and based upon my personal experiences with NOVICA. I was given a gift certificate, however I was not paid to publish a positive review.Thank you NOVICA for sharing your wonderful tabbleware with us!

Thanks for the info about Novica. Just had a look at their site, its fantastic what they do. Entrepreneurs in the region I work in would benefit tremendously from this initiative. I will get in touch with them.

Rosa, these are absolutely gorgeous. I remember you saying on facebook you were so pleased with the quality and I definitely can see why. Sounds like an incredible company as well. I would love to win!

I first saw this picture on facebook, fell in love with it straight away. Love those colours on that pot and lid, and the fact that they're painted in 3D so to speak. Ok so I saw that you could win some... I just had to enter here, what else was there to do.They have great Fair trade shops here in Holland too, with the best ceramics from all over the world.

You've made some very fine choices as well as backing a company which happens to be unique and different than the rest that's offered out there.It's also great that they can offer a certificate on a world wide basis, thanks.

OMG, this pottery is exquisite. I love the fact that they showcase hand-crafted artisans from all over the world, too, in order to help them make a living at what they love. Thanks so much for bringing such a worthwhile endeavor to light.

Hi Rosa, Thanks for introducing us to Novica in such a nice post!(I totally share your view on ads...) It is great to know that they have ethics, directly deal with the artists and are efficient in delivering the goods! The website is a real "caverne d'Ali Baba" as we say in French... and I have already fallen in love with the celadon elephant tea set!!

I absolutely love Novica's stuff, and I love what you ordered. I spent a large chunk of my day browsing their site the other day... so much for everyone, and such pretty stuff!Please include my name in this fab giveaway!

Rosa, thank you for introducing us to Novica. Such a wonderful place for artists to promote themselves and share their hard work. Sign my up for this giveaway & thanks for making it worldwide entries! xo

I hadn't heard of Novica before your blog post. Thank you for introducing me to them and their philosophy. Based on your STUNNING pictures, I know they will have many items I didn't know I needed. I appreciate the ease of your giveaway :)

How curious, yesterday I went to the supermarket and bought some passion fruit. I really love this fruit for its taste, a combination of acidity and sweetness.Your dessert is intense, fresh and an absolute treat.Lovely giveaway.Have a great weekend ♥

wow I love that concept! It's so hard to find that kind of things and even if you're going on a trip to these places it may be hard to pack the item well to get back them at home! That's really a very nice discovery!!! (sorry for my poor english!)kimchi

Wow Rosa you made beautiful choices with your dishes! I especially love the salsa bowl, just stunning. Would love to pick out something myself from their site, thanks for hosting this giveaway and highlighting such a great company! :)

Hi RosaYour presence in the blog world is unmistakeable.I have followed you for a while now and love your dedication. I love Novica's business concept, so much so on a whim a few years ago I called them up to see how I could apply to work for them!Best wishes for all your new writing ventures.